CCS is a GHG emission reduction technology, whose deployment is dependent on an enabling policy framework. Given the substantial contribution CCS can potentially make in mitigating the risk of climate change, the quality of the policy matters. The Agency is engaged in analysing and developing options that policymakers can use for promoting safe and accountable CCS and for overcoming barriers to its deployment. This work includes national level CCS-specific policy and global climate policy development.

The IEA CCS Roadmap is a key document in this regard and many activities follow from its recommendations.

Key activities of the Agency include:

Tracking progress and advising governments on the role of CCS in a portfolio of climate change mitigation options, including incentive mechanisms, financing schemes, and public acceptance issues

Analysis of various UNFCCC mechanisms that could be used for CCS (CDM, NAMA, LCDS, Technology Mechanism) in post-2012 climate frameworks

Developing policy frameworks for CCS often require a global approach. This is particularly the case with setting the necessary climate policy goals under the United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change (UNFCCC). The IEA has contributed to global climate negotiations by providing expert advice on the role of CCS, for example as regards the inclusion of CCS in CDM.